Six new members have been announced for induction into the Central Okanagan Sports Hall of Fame

Photo: Contributed

The Central Okanagan Sports Hall of Fame has announced six new inductees for 2021.

The announcement Tuesday comes after the hall took a one-year hiatus due to COVID-19.

And, while restrictions are expected to be slowly lifted as the year goes on, the hall will forgo the traditional induction breakfast in favour of a professionally produced video to be launched Nov. 18.

The list of inductees includes two in the athlete category, one team, a builder plus two individuals who helped shape sport and the hall of fame.

Bennett Award/Special Recognition - Sharon Leveque and Rolli Cacchioni

The Bennett Award is not handed out on a yearly basis, but is presented when the committee deems it appropriate. it recognizes a lifelong contribution to sport. Both Levesque and Cacchioni were guiding lights of the Central Okanagan Sports Hall of Fame. Cacchioni as a founding member and Levesque the heart of the hall's nominations committee.

Both were passionate about all types of sports and volunteered on boards and committees fostering sports over the years. Both, sadly, passed away earlier this year - both will be deeply missed.

Athlete - Scott Frandsen

Frandsen was a champion on the water in the U.S. collegiate ranks and, eventually donned the Maple Leaf. As one of the best rowers Kelowna has ever produced, Frandsen won seven medals in World Cup competition, including four gold.

His crowning achievement was a silver medal alongside Dave Calder in the pairs event at the 2008 Beijing Olympics.

Athlete - Dorothy Schwaiger Jantzen

Dorothy was a force on the volleyball court, helping lead George Elliot Secondary to a provincial girls championship. She was named MVP on the gold-medal winning team at the 1976 Can-Am Games, and led the University of Saskatchewan to a national championship in 1979.

She has also been inducted into the Saskatoon and University of Saskatchewan halls of fame.

Team - Kelowna Spartans

The Spartans became the first Kelowna team crowned national Junior A hockey champions. The Spartans were crowned national champions following a 7-2 victory over the Chateauguay Elites in Amherst, NS.

The team, led by head coach Jim Hammett, lost just 12 games during the regular season before bulldozing their way through the playoffs.

Goaltender Dieter Kochan played 21 games in the NHL over four seasons with Tampa and Minnesota.

Builder - Al Horning

Al was a true four seasons sportsman, instrumental in the growth of snowmobiling and fastball in the city.

Horning helped build King Stadium, home for many years to Major Men's Fastball, and founded the Kelowna Softball Association. He also served as GM of the semi-professional Kelowna Heat.

In the winter, Horning turned his attention to the speed and thrills of snowmobiling. He was co-founder of the Kelowna Snowmobile Club and the BC Snowmobile Federation. He was also a provincial champion snowmobile rider.

The induction video will be available on the COSHOF YouTube channel, with links available on all COSHOF and Kelowna Museum social media platforms.